Retractable Patio Awning: Do You Need One for You Patio?

So you wanted to optimize the use of your outdoor living space. Why
don't you invest on a retractable patio awning? Not only will it give
you your much needed protection against sunlight, it will immediately
improve the curb appeal and increase the market value of your home. In
addition, it also increases your quality of life, treating you to
luxurious meals and interludes with your beautiful garden in allowing
you to spend more time lounging at your patio. During the warmest
points of summer and at the break of the spring, setting up your patio
awning is no easier than with a retractable patio awning.

What is a Retractable Awning?

A retractable patio awning can either be manually operated or power-driven.
Its construction is given the mechanisms to be easily stored when not
in use. A typical motor-driven awning runs on regular 110V electricity
via the small concealed motor while a manually operated awning may use
pulleys and gears for its mechanisms. Motor-driven awnings may even
come with remote control actuations so they can conveniently be raised
or lowered when necessary. They usually do not come with vertical
supports, leaving the area underneath it open. To keep them steady
against high winds, they are complemented with vertical baring members.

Installation

Either manually operated or motor-operated retractable patio awning is
a great complement to the relative simplicity of outdoor materials of a
home such as bricks, vinyl, shakes, stucco or cement board. It can
easily be stored or kept out-of-the-doors during seasons or months of
ruthless winters. Many retractable awning kits are design to stand up
to the test of the worst weather conditions, making it ever ready to
operate once the season starts to change and as soon as you start your
outdoor endeavors.

Pros and Cons

The biggest advantage that retractable patio awning has over any other
types of awning is that comes with a great protection against potential
wear and damage. It can easily be kept away from high winds, snow,
hail, ice and heavy rain as it can easily be retracted or stored in
time for the harsh changes in weather. It prevents prolonged exposure
of awning materials to the damaging effects of sunlight and UV rays;
therefore preserving its materials against rot for longer lasting
service. Its ability to be stored when not in use will minimize the
likelihood of it getting damaged, torn or worn by standing outside
through rains, snows and storms. Hence, a high-quality retractable
awning can reach up to 25 years service life. But since the quality and
convenience of retractable awnings are shown in its price, they never
come cheap.

Buying Guide

The price ranges from $500 to more than $2,000. Of course, manually
operated ones are cheaper and motorized awnings are more expensive.
Whichever type of awning you choose, make sure that you put your money
on quality. This should ensure longer lasting service and high-quality
materials, which deliver reliable patio shading and protection. And
while you are still deciding on which brand or type of retractable
awning to take, take time to browse some home awning websites to find
better deals for your planned home improvement project. While there are
many places that sell home awnings, the internet proves to be an
excellent resource in finding excellent retractable patio awning deals.